Churches across the West Bank, from Port Sulphur to Gretna to Lafitte to Westwego, honored St. Joseph with St. Joseph's Day altars on March 19, 2013. The suspension of one altar in Gretna, presented by the Italian-American Society of Jefferson, meant even bigger crowds than usual at St. Joseph's Church in historic downtown Gretna and St. Cletus Church on Claire Avenue.

The Rev. Rick Day, pastor of St. Joseph's, said the church's St. Joseph's altar is the biggest not only in the New Orleans area, but in the state. He expected to feed 2,000 people on March 19.Bill Landry, who coordinates the altar at St. Cletus, said 1,800 were expected at that church. He said he had seen many new faces at this year's altar, most likely because of the Italian-American Society's suspension of its altar for this year.By 1:30 p.m., Landry said the church had sold 30 cases of St. Joseph's candles, which it was selling for $3 each. He expected to sell out of all 50 cases before the day's end; each case held 12 candles.Westwego Senior Center Director Ted Bergeron had brought a group of seniors to the St. Cletus altar; they were making their way to each one on the West Bank. The seniors wanted Bergeron to be sure they knew they wanted to visit the St. Anthony Church altar in Lafitte, which is known for its outstanding seafood.Mary Hennegan presented her annual altar at her home in Marrero. Although her oven and cooler went on the fritz the past few days and her sink was clogged, you'd never know it by the crowds of happy friends, family and acquaintance, feasting on fried fish, spaghetti with meatless red gravy, artichoke casserole and more. "It's all just a test'' of faith, Hennegan said of her challenges, vowing to continue her altar next year.Hennegan's was not the only altar presented in a non-church setting; the Effler and Casanova families held their annual St. Joseph’s Day altar, hosted by Tommy’s Wish Foundation, at the Young Men’s Business Club in Westwego.